Topical Encyclopedia The apostles, chosen by Jesus Christ as His closest followers and primary messengers, often struggled to fully grasp the nature and mission of their Master. Despite their proximity to Jesus and the privilege of witnessing His teachings and miracles firsthand, the apostles frequently demonstrated a lack of understanding regarding His divine purpose and the spiritual kingdom He came to establish.Misunderstanding of Jesus' Teachings Throughout the Gospels, the apostles are depicted as misunderstanding Jesus' teachings and parables. In Mark 4:10-13, after Jesus shares the Parable of the Sower, the disciples privately ask Him to explain it. Jesus responds, "Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand any of the parables?" (Mark 4:13). This indicates their initial inability to comprehend the deeper spiritual truths Jesus was conveying. Failure to Recognize Jesus' Divine Nature The apostles also struggled to fully recognize Jesus' divine nature. In Matthew 14:22-33, when Jesus walks on water, the disciples are terrified, thinking He is a ghost. It is only after Jesus identifies Himself and calms the storm that they worship Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God" (Matthew 14:33). This incident reveals their wavering faith and limited understanding of His divine identity. Misinterpretation of Jesus' Mission The apostles often held misconceptions about the nature of Jesus' mission, expecting a political Messiah who would liberate Israel from Roman rule. In Mark 8:31-33, after Jesus predicts His suffering and death, Peter rebukes Him, unable to accept the notion of a suffering Messiah. Jesus responds sternly, "Get behind Me, Satan! For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men" (Mark 8:33). This exchange highlights the apostles' struggle to comprehend the necessity of Jesus' sacrificial mission. Confusion About the Kingdom of God The apostles' misunderstanding extended to the nature of the Kingdom of God. In Acts 1:6, even after Jesus' resurrection, they ask, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6). This question reveals their continued expectation of a temporal, earthly kingdom rather than the spiritual reign Jesus came to inaugurate. Lack of Understanding of Jesus' Death and Resurrection The apostles were slow to understand the significance of Jesus' death and resurrection. In John 20:9, after the discovery of the empty tomb, it is noted, "For they still did not understand from the Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead" (John 20:9). Despite Jesus' repeated predictions of His death and resurrection, the apostles struggled to grasp these pivotal events until they unfolded. Conclusion The apostles' journey from misunderstanding to eventual comprehension of Jesus' nature and mission is a testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the unfolding revelation of God's plan. Their initial failures highlight the human tendency to perceive divine truths through a limited, earthly perspective, underscoring the necessity of spiritual enlightenment to fully embrace the mysteries of God's kingdom. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 8:25-27And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 15:23 Matthew 16:8-12,21,22 Matthew 19:25 Mark 4:13 Mark 6:51,52 Mark 8:17,18 Mark 9:9,10,31,32 Mark 10:13,14 Luke 9:44,45 Luke 18:34 Luke 24:19,21 John 4:32,33 John 10:6 John 11:12,13 John 12:16 John 13:6-8 John 14:5-9,22 John 16:6,17,18,32 John 20:9 John 21:12 Acts 1:6 Library The Baptist's Inquiry and Jesus' Discourse Suggested Thereby. Exalting the Cross Cont. With Jairus Cont. His Gospel Introduction to the De Trinitate. Importance in Luke's History of the Story of the Birth of Christ The Trinitarian Controversy. "Let not Your Heart be Troubled" Selection The Historical Books. 1 the New Testament... Resources What is an apostle? | GotQuestions.orgIs apostolic succession biblical? | GotQuestions.org What is apostolic doctrine? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Apostles: A Title Distinguishing the Twelve Disciples Apostles: Authority of Commission of, Above Apostles: Duties of Commission of, Above, Apostles: Fail to Comprehend the Nature and Mission of Jesus Apostles: Miraculous Power Given To Apostles: Moral State of, Before Pentecost Apostles: Slow to Receive Jesus, As Messiah The Apostles were Hated by the World The Apostles were not of the World The Apostles were Unlearned Men The Apostles: Called by Christ The Apostles: Called by The Holy Spirit The Apostles: Christ Always Present With The Apostles: Christ Pre-Eminently Called "The Apostle" The Apostles: Empowered to Work Miracles The Apostles: Equal Authority Given to Each of The Apostles: Guided by the Spirit Into all Truth The Apostles: Humility Urged Upon The Apostles: Instructed by the Spirit to Answer Adversaries The Apostles: Mutual Love Urged Upon The Apostles: Ordained by Christ The Apostles: Persecutions and Sufferings of The Apostles: Received Their Title from Christ The Apostles: Saw Christ in the Flesh The Apostles: Selected from Obscure Stations The Apostles: Self-Denial Urged Upon The Apostles: Sent First to the House of Israel The Apostles: Sent to Preach the Gospel to all Nations The Apostles: Specially Devoted to the office of the Ministry The Apostles: The Holy Spirit Given To The Apostles: Warned Against a Timid Profession of Christ The Apostles: Witnesses of the Resurrection and Ascension of Christ Related Terms |
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